Bhubaneswar, Aug 3: Joining the gender debate surrounding Algeria boxer Imane Khelif in the Paris Olympics 2024, former Olympian and ace sprinter from Odisha Dutee Chand, has extended her support to the under-fire pugilist.
In her reaction to a section of press, Dutee reportedly stated that the Alegeria boxer Khelif has the right to compete in the Paris Games 2024. The sprinter on Friday shared her own experience a decade ago, when she was dropped from the Indian contingent for hyper androgenism.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) stopped her from participating in the Commonwealth Games 2014. But later she was cleared, though she missed some important competitions in her career, she reminded.
Dutee stated when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) does not have any problem about boxer Khelif's participation , why others have objections about her gender.
It can be recalled that Khelif found herself at the centre of a debate after her Italian opponent, Angela Carini, withdrew moments into their bout .The incident sparked an outcry from global figures, including former US President Donald Trump and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni.
But the IOC, in its statement following the controversial bout, stood by Khelif, stating that everyone must be allowed to play the sport “without discrimination.”
The latest development is Carini has expressed regret over her actions in the bout. The Italian boxer stated that she "wants to apologize" to Khelif for her conduct in the moments following the fight.
But did Carini apologised to Khelif on her own, or was she pressurised to do so? Many Carini sympathisers felt if she apologised voluntarily it is fine, but if she was pressurised to beg apology, then it was harsh on her.
